BMW claims 0-62mph in 5.0sec, a top speed of 150mph and combined consumption of between 67.3mpg and 88.3mpg for the lower-powered 50e xDrive. The battery is good for a claimed electric range of up to 63 miles.
Unlike the outgoing car, the X5 PHEV will also be offered in M-fettled M60e xDrive form, with outputs boosted to 604bhp and 590lb ft to trim the 0-62mph time to 4.5sec and nudge the top speed to 155mph.
Charging for both plug-in hybrid variants is still limited to 11kW top-ups, while rival PHEVs such as the Range Rover Sport and Mercedes GLC can fast-charge at 50kW-plus.
Top of the Klasse
The new X5 is the largest model yet to adopt BMW’s Neue Klasse design language, which was introduced with the iX3 and i3. Visually, it makes the new model a complete departure from the X5 it replaces, despite the semi-familiar underpinnings.
The form language and defining signatures are familiar from the X3 – including the minimalist, monolithic silhouette, muscular rear haunches, wraparound front light panel and distinctive vertical kidney ‘grilles’ – which will be a shared characteristic of all BMW SUVs going forward.
However, the X5 introduces a raft of bespoke cues that mark it out. Most obvious of these are the double-X LED light graphics that, says BMW, make it “instantly recognisable during both day and night”. These distinctive cross-shaped clusters incorporate the headlights, daytime-running lights and indicators. They can be switched at the press of a button for the iX3’s simpler diagonal arrangement.
Notably, the M60e xDrive PHEV will be the first model to feature M division’s new trademark yellow headlights, which were introduced on the M Concept Neue Klasse that was revealed earlier this month. Wheels will be 21in as standard on all cars, while the range-toppers will be available with 23in rims for the first time.
Inside, the new X5 is similar to the iX3, with the cockpit dominated by the unusual diagonal central touchscreen and a full-width panoramic driver display at the base of the windscreen.
The bulk of the switchgear is shared too, as is the unusual multifunction steering wheel. Unlike the existing Neue Klasse models, however, the X5 adds the option of a second touchscreen for the front passenger – with an array of streaming and entertainment apps to keep them entertained when on the move.